At the awards, Catriona Gray, 24, finished first ahead of the South African and Venezuelan finalists in the glittering televised event hosted by Steve Harvey and supermodel Ashley Graham.

Angela Ponce of Spain competes during the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. – Miss Philippines was crowned Miss Universe on December 17 in Bangkok after a trailblazing ceremony praised for featuring its first transgender candidate but marred by gaffes about the English-speaking ability of two Asian contestants. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

See images of the event below:

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Catriona Gray of the Philippines (C) is congratulated by contestants after winning the Miss Universe 2018 on December 17, 2018 in Bangkok. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

H'Hen Nie of Vietnam competes in swimsuit during the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. - Miss Philippines was crowned Miss Universe on December 17 in Bangkok after a trailblazing ceremony praised for featuring its first transgender candidate but marred by gaffes about the English-speaking ability of two Asian contestants. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Sthefany Gutierrez of Venezuela competes in swimsuit during the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. - Miss Philippines was crowned Miss Universe on December 17 in Bangkok after a trailblazing ceremony praised for featuring its first transgender candidate but marred by gaffes about the English-speaking ability of two Asian contestants. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Catriona Gray (R) of the Philippines speaks while host Steve Harvey listens during the interview of top three finalists of the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Contestants compete in swimsuit during the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant in Bangkok on December 17, 2018. - Miss Philippines was crowned Miss Universe on December 17 in Bangkok after a trailblazing ceremony praised for featuring its first transgender candidate but marred by gaffes about the English-speaking ability of two Asian contestants. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)